The Uganda Police Force (UPF) has initiated a verification process following widespread social media reports claiming the abduction of Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira, a Catholic priest of the Masaka Diocese.

Deusdedit was kidnapped more than ten days ago by armed men wearing Uganda Army uniforms and traveling in a van locally known as a “drone,” according to a statement released by the Masaka Diocese.

“The Uganda Police Force has noted social media reports alleging the abduction of Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira,” read the statement by the UPF.

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The statement added, “We are currently verifying these claims and will provide an update once sufficient information about the Reverend Father is obtained.”

Ugandan Priest Kidnapped

Earlier reports by the Organisation’s youth coordinator indicate that Fr. Ssekabira was blindfolded and taken away, along with his Secretary, Rosette Nakintu.

However, the captors later dropped Ms. Nakintu by the roadside in the Katwe ward. Eyewitnesses confirmed the captors never introduced themselves to anyone at the office but instead ordered the priest to their car.

Bishop Jjumba revealed that efforts by the Church and the priest’s family to locate him have been fruitless.

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They attempted to search through “almost all of the security organs,” but officials have “denied everything,” claiming to have no knowledge of Fr. Ssekabira’s whereabouts or custody.

Earlier in the week, on Monday, December 8, 2025, Bishop Jjumba asked all priests of the Masaka Diocese to say a Rosary Triduum, specifically praying the Sorrowful Mysteries for Fr. Ssekabira’s whereabouts.

Screengrab of the Uganda Police Force report by Hivileo